In recent days there has been a rush of people taking out new polices in order to beat the deadline and associated loading on premiums for those aged 35 and over.
Many of the lower cost polices averaging around €400 focus on offering a private or semi private bed in a public hospital, however, on closer examination that is about all these plans offer. People are shocked to find they rarely jump the queue for the procedures they require and they have to join the waiting list like everyone else.
Are people being misled into taking out these polices thinking they will have faster access to treatment when the reality is very different?
http://www.independent.ie/irish-new...ng-patients-on-to-waiting-lists-31069277.html
Many of the lower cost polices averaging around €400 focus on offering a private or semi private bed in a public hospital, however, on closer examination that is about all these plans offer. People are shocked to find they rarely jump the queue for the procedures they require and they have to join the waiting list like everyone else.
Are people being misled into taking out these polices thinking they will have faster access to treatment when the reality is very different?
Leading ophthalmologist Professor Michael O'Keeffe, of the Mater Hospital in Dublin, said he was seeing two to three insured patients a week in this predicament. "I am seeing more and more patients upset. When they look to their insurance for cover they want, it is not there. They are being sold these policies with a view that they have special privileges in public hospital.
"They may be covered for a private bed in a public hospital and believe they can jump the queue," said Prof O'Keeffe.
"But they are finding they have to wait in line and that they receive no privileges when it comes to quicker access."
http://www.independent.ie/irish-new...ng-patients-on-to-waiting-lists-31069277.html